Hundreds of kidney patients in Manipur have been pushed into a deep health crisis as private hospitals announced plans to suspend free dialysis services under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) and Chief Minister’s Health for All (CMHT) scheme from November 6 due to prolonged non-payment of government dues.
Hospital authorities reportedly stated that despite repeated appeals, months of pending bills remain uncleared, leaving them with no choice but to charge patients directly.
The cost of a single dialysis session is said to range from Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 2,500, and with patients requiring multiple sessions each week, the expenses are becoming unbearable for many low-income families.
Members of the All Manipur Dialysis Patients Association expressed serious concern, warning that the decision could have fatal consequences for those unable to afford treatment.
The association has urged both state and central authorities to immediately release the pending funds to avoid a humanitarian disaster.
Several patients reportedly voiced their fears of not surviving without regular dialysis, describing sleepless nights and growing anxiety over their uncertain future.
